The hottest new-reg motors

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SMART

The Fortwo and Forfour citycar models are both now available in full-batterypowered ‘electric drive’ form. Power comes from a 60kw (81bhp) electric motor mated to a one-speed auto transmission. In other smart news, the brand has just launched new Brabus Sport fortwo coupe and forfour Disturbing London editions. And the standard fortwo and forfour ranges have a new, more affordable ‘pure’ entry trim level.

● ONE TO WATCH: Smart fortwo electric drive is a good bet for city driving in eco style.

SUBARU

Subaru has had a quiet recent few years – but that’s about to change. A new generation version of the company’s XV mid-sized crossover has just hit the showrooms, running on the brand’s completely new hi-tech global platform. This sophisticated chassis also underpins the next fresh model to shortly hit the company’s showrooms, the all-new Impreza family hatch, which offers Focus-class customers the security of 4WD, but at a competitive price.

● ONE TO WATCH: The XV’S Symmetrical 4WD will keep you going when rivals would falter.

SUZUKI

Suzuki’s big news is the launch of the new fourth-generation version of its Swift Sport hot hatch. This follows a busy 2017 for the brand, which saw it facelift its S-cross small SUV, introduce the even smaller Ignis crossover and launch an all-new version of its Swift supermini.

● ONE TO WATCH: The Swift Sport will frighten far more powerful hot hatches on a twisty road.

TOYOTA

Toyota has just launched a powerful version of its Yaris supermini, the potent GRMN hot hatch version. In other news, the Auris range has now been rationalised for an even greater focus on hybrid power. And there’s now a plug-in version of the company’s popular Prius hybrid. Continuing to attract attention in Toyota showrooms is the brand’s striking C-HR compact crossover. In addition, the brand has introduced an all-new Proace van in recent times and is offering it in people carrying MPV form as the Proace Verso.

● ONE TO WATCH: The new Prius plug-in is better to drive and sleeker than before.

VAUXHALL

Vauxhall, now owned by the French PSA Group, has just launched an Suv-orientated Country Tourer variant of its Insignia Sports Tourer medium range estate. A hot Insignia GSI model will reach the showrooms later this year. Last autumn, the brand launched its Grandland X mid-sized SUV, a model then joined by the little Viva Rocks Suv-style citycar. In other Vauxhall news, the VXR8 super saloon bows out with a potent GTS-R model.

● ONE TO WATCH: With its Crossland X and Grandland X SUVS, Vauxhall now has a properly credible crossover line-up.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen has had a busy year, introducing its new T-roc mid-sized SUV and its seven-seat Tiguan Allspace. Plus, dealers are just getting to grips with the all-new sixth generation version of the company’s Polo supermini. There’s a hot GTI version of the up! citycar too. And in the summer, we’ll see a new generation version of the company’s Touareg luxury SUV.

● ONE TO WATCH: New Polo is smarter and cleverer, plus offers the option of efficient 1.5-litre TSI EVO power. VOLVO

Volvo’s big news is the launch of its new mid-sized SUV, the XC40, aimed at rivals like the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. It’s individually styled and sits on a brand new platform that in future we’ll see on a whole range of other compact cars from the Swedish brand.

● ONE TO WATCH: The new XC40 promises to make Volvo a much bigger player in the mid-sized SUV sector.

Clockwise from top: Volvo XC40, Vauxhall Grandland X, Subaru XV, Suzuki Swift Sport, Smart fortwo electric drive, Toyota Prius plug-in, Volkswagen Polo.